Xabi Alonso has officially started work as Chelsea manager, taking over a high-pressure team with significant issues to address. Multiple reports focus on the scale of the task facing the new head coach, particularly around the club’s current squad and upcoming decisions in the transfer market. The coverage highlights that Alonso inherits an environment shaped by player availability and expectations around key squad members, including those described as central to Chelsea’s near-term plans. In addition, the reporting points to the need for Alonso to work through contract and squad-management matters involving players such as Conor Palmer and Enzo Fernandez, with their roles and future direction forming part of the wider challenges. Overall, the sources agree that Alonso’s immediate priorities include establishing his coaching approach at Stamford Bridge, assessing existing personnel, and determining how to move the squad forward through recruitment and selection decisions. The reports do not provide detailed outcomes yet, but they consistently frame Alonso’s first phase as one defined by urgent planning and decisive management of player matters.